The Voices 

 

Shiara’s spirit rose upward like the smoke from a flame.  The scent of the flowers from her plant-self mingled sweetly in the air.  But Shiara was not glad to be Pure Spirit this time, not with what had happened in the past hour, when she realized that she had brought Geo along… a Human, so terribly vulnerable, having an inseparable animal-self.  Oy, she thought to herself as she came to meet them.

 

“I’m sorry!” she cried out.  “I did not realize what I was doing!  I meant no harm to the human Georges Fresnell.  But now his world—er, his living place—is gone.  He is on a planet where he will surely die before a new planet evolves for him!”

 

“You did evil in not thinking of his safety,” said One Voice.

“You thought of yourself and your loneliness first,” said Another Voice.

“I forgot that he was Human,” said Shiara.  “I have enjoyed his company; he could be one of us—“

“He will be one of us, when he is finished his Human course.”

“Oh goody!” said Shiara.

“Thinking of herself—“said the Third Voice to Another.

Shiara was fidgeting in space, even without a body.  She had tremendous Fidgeting Talent, especially when faced with her Superiors.

“Does this mean I don’t get my own world?”

“Thinking of Herself!”  said the Third voice.

“You really don’t like me, do you, Third Voice?” she said.

Several sighs were heard in midair.

 

“Well, what does this all mean?” she asked “What will happen to Geo now?  Will he be alright?”

“Yes, We will take care of him as We always have.  Though it was through your error that he came, We had planned for him to come along.  He has tremendous healing talents.  Can you separate our plan from your motive here?  Can you see the difference?”

“Yes.” She said.

“And you still want to know if you can have your own World?” said the One Voice.

“Yes.”

“Oh hush up, Third Voice!” said Another Voice.

“Well, the truth is, we don’t feel you are ready for an entire world.  We want you to remain in your capacity as a Knower.  There are many prospects as a Knower. With only a small amount of cross-training, you can be a Knower of the Water, or a Knower of the Meadow, a Knower of the Desert, and so on.  Do you have a preference?

“Oh yes!  I want to go back to the Forest!”  She said.

“Then that is what you shall do,” said the One Voice.  “I think you will enjoy having other Knowers to interact with, and you will be on a whole planet this time.  We will even let you still throw the First Ball.  Do you still have it?”

“Of course,” she said.  “It is down with the package you gave me.”

“Very well” said The One Voice.  “Do you think you can be satisfied with these arrangements?”

“I think so,” said Shiara. “I did not really think I was ready for an entire world.”

“Good, then,” said the Third Voice (who by this time had gotten over his indignation), it is settled.  Go now back to the Gray Planet, and watch over your Human charge.”

 

The Voices drew higher out above the atmosphere, leaving Shiara alone.

 

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